84 



THE BUILDERS AND THE ANTIQUITY OF OUR 



CORNISH DOLMENS. 



By Rkv. D. GATH WHITLEY. 



So unsatisfactory is the state of archfcological nomenclature, 

 that I am compelled to define what I mean by a Dolmen. I 

 apply this term to those rude stone structures, which are often 

 called Cromlechs; but as they are named Dolmens on the Continent 

 I think it is desirable that a uniform definition should be adopted. 

 The typical dolmen is formed of upright stone slabs, with a 

 horizontal cap-stone. When the iiprights are of great size and 

 are formed of slabs touching each other, they enclose a chamber, 

 as may be seen in Trevethy Stone, near Liskeard. Sometimes 

 the uprights are mere slender shafts, so that no space is enclosed, 

 as appears in Lanyon Cromlech near Penzance.^ Occasionally 

 one end of the cap-stone rests on the earth, and the other on an 

 upright, when the monument is called a demi-dolmen.- An 

 example of this type may be seen in that rude structure named 

 "The Brothers of Grrugith," in the parish of St. Keverne, in the 

 Lizard district.^ 



Now, these dolmens have been under examination for a 

 lengthy period, and, what have we done with them ? We have 

 measured them, and we have mapped them. We have sketched 

 them, and we have photographed them. We have classified them 

 according to their form and their size. We have speculated about 

 their origin; whether it were religious, or sepulchral, or com- 

 memorative, or astronomical. We have debated endlessly, as to 

 whether they were always, or generally, covered with a tumulus. 

 We have theorised as to the manner of their construction ; and, 

 above all, we have never failed to laugh at the Druids ! But 

 when the vital questions are asked — " Who raised these 

 monuments?" — and, "At what period were they erected?" 



I. In this arrangement I follow Mr. W. C. Borlase in his Nccnia Cornubia'. 

 1. So termed by M. de Mortillet in his Le Prehistorique, Antiquite de V Homme. 

 3. Of course the collapse or removal of an upright may have given rise to the 

 form of some demi-dolmens. 



